Anja Ringgren Loven is a Danish aid worker who gained fame globally after she came to the rescue of a little Nigerian boy who was left for dead by his parents in 2016 after he was accused of being a witch. Loven has also rescued many other children who have suffered the same fate.
Even though many have come to only associate her with the kid whose life she saved, there are many other inspiring things about Anja.
Facts You Didn’t Know About Anja Ringgren Loven
1. She was born and raised in Denmark
It was on September 4, 1978 that Anja Ringgren Lovén was born in Frederikshavn, Denmark. While there is no information as regards her father, it is known that she had a close bond with her mother. She was brought alongside a twin sister.
2. Education and career before humanitarian endeavors
Recognized as one of the leading women in terms of humanity, Anja is well educated. She went to Frederikshavn Gymnasium from 1995 to1998.
She would later relocate to the middle east with her sister where she settled in Kibbutz in Isreal. While there, she trained as a stewardess with Maersk Air and worked for a while before she quit to take care of her mother. Her next job was in a clothing store in Bruun’s Gallery. Before all these, she worked with Kibbutz Gesher from January 1999 to December 2000 as a volunteer.
3. Anja Ringgren Loven is married to a Nigerian
Although details about her love life are not very clear, it is reported that she has since tied the knot to her lover, David Emmanuel Umem. He is a graduate of Law from the University of Uyo. Details regarding how they met and started dating are not clear. However, they have been in contact since 2012 and have worked on different things together thanks to their shared passion for children.
4. The aid worker has one biological son
In 2014, Anja and her husband welcomed a son whom they named David Emmanuel Umem Jr.
5. Her passion for saving children started in 2008
The Danish-born charity worker’s passion for saving little children in Africa started in 2008 when she was watching a TV show; “The Witch Children of Africa.” The show depicted how little kids in some African countries including Nigeria are branded witches and are often tortured and left for dead.
This is what led her to save the little Nigerian toddler who was abandoned by his parents after he was accused of being a witch. She has since named the child Hope. When she came to his rescue in January 2008, the kid who was 2 years old at the time, had already been abandoned for 8 months and so he had worms in his body and was malnourished.
6. Loven lost her mother to cancer
In 2001, Anja had to quit her job because her mum was terminally ill; she was suffering from lung cancer. Anja left her job to take care of her. Unfortunately, she did not make it as she later lost the battle to the disease.
7. She has been to different countries for charity work
Before she came to Nigeria, Anja Ringgren Loven has been to different other countries where she got involved in charity work. She has been involved in charity work in countries such as Malawi and Tanzania.
8. The Danish owns a foundation in Nigeria
IIn order to help save the innocent children branded witches and killed in Nigeria, Anja launched a Danish non-governmental organization in 2012. She also founded her children’s home, Land of Hope which has since rescued more than 70 children. More so, she has continued to create awareness of the superstitious beliefs that put the lives of little children in danger.
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9. Half of her body is covered in tattoos
Currently 46 years old, half of the body of Anja Ringgren Loven is covered in tattoos. One of the tattoos reads; HOPE which is an acronym for Help One Person.
Currently residing in Nigeria, she walks around with two well-armed security men because of the menace of kidnapping in the country.
10. She has been recognized with many awards
Thanks to her many contributions to mankind and children, in particular, Anja has earned the respect of many all over the world. Considered to be one of the most inspirational individuals in the world, she has won many awards in the past and has been nominated for many more. Here are some of the accolades she has received thus far:
- The World’s Most Inspiring Person – OOOM Magazine (2016)
- Niels Ebbesen Medal (2016)
- Paul Harris Fellowship (2016)
- Hope Award (2017)
- Ambassador For Peace – Universal Peace Federation (2020)
- Nordjyske Initiative Award 2015 – Nominee
- Danes of the Year 2017 – Nominee
